Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. It is essential to keep gaps out of the way as they can increase the risk of being entangled. This is a serious danger. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Choose a crib with mesh sides that you can see your child through and a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your child is unable to leave the crib or reach their head over the footboard. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are all great features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby as they create spaces where their head and limbs could be stuck. If you have a crib that has corner posts, think about removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could become entangled and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using a second-hand cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have paint that has leaded on them, which is toxic for babies.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and let babies rest close to their parents without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a hard getting out of the bed to feed their child or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed with straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down sides which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib It's "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust it's a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's unaffordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach over when you want to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even when she was tired at late at night. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their baby in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which could occasionally lead to suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the middle of night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
www.cots4tots.co.uk is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and low cost. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to work with divan beds although you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still adequate to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she warns that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when pulled out of its travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it easier to maneuver. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you see your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is beneficial for night feedings and changing nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want to take on the dangers of bed-sharing (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to pick from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to let you see and touch your baby at night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact which is essential if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or slouch in the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard mattress for a cot. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.
